Hi!If you want your new goldfish to be healthy and happy and live a long life, then please make sure each has about 10 gallons of water to swim in. Is your tank set up? If not, then you need to cycle it first before you get your new goldfish.You will need a test kit that contains tests for ammonia, nitrites, ph and nitrates. When nitrites and ammonia are zero then it is safe to put your goldfish in their new home.Goldfish become really friendly and will recognize you and your voice when you talk to them and feed them.

If you are getting two goldfish, You would need a twenty gallon for them to grow and be comfortable.

Okay, Im going to say this once, and only once: TEST YOUR WATER REGULARLY

If you dont your gonna end up with a CRAPLOAD of issues. Read the health and illness section. A good 75% of those problems coulve been prevented by regular water changes. SO! what did you learn? TEST THE GOSHDARN WATER!

also, you are going to want to get a bigg ish filter (for twenty gal Id reccommend a 30 gal filter) simply because fish tend to create a LOT of waste.

For the beginning fish owner, you should buy:1. A tank at least 10 gallons or more.2. Some gravel- enough to cover at least an inch of the bottom of the tank. Ask someone at the store how big of a bag you should get.3. A filter, if your tank doesn't have one, and replacement filter inserts to change it once a month.4. A thermometer suited for tank use. Stick-ons are fine as are the ones you dip in.5. Water conditioner. Add this when you first fill the tank and when you change the water. There should be instructions on the bottle as to how much to add.6. Optional: a teaspoon. You will use this to measure out water conditioner and medicine.7. Pimafix and Melafix. This is used in treating illness.8. Fish food! I perfer the granules myself. You would think this was obvious, but one person actually tried to feed them on dried breadcrumbs and was surprised when they died. Fish need fish food. (Long post, to be continued!)

(continued because I ran out of space)9. Water test kit. Get one for ammonia and one for chlorine, nitrate, nitrite, etc. You want freshwater kits.10. Hiding places, such as sculptures with holes in them that the fish can fit in. Make sure they're for aquarium use. Ours have a plastic log and a fake stone bridge. Your fish may hang out in these initially and sleep in them. Just let them hide as much as they want at first- they'll come out when they're ready.11. Plants (plastic or real). Ours perfer real, as they are a good hiding place and a snack. Your pet store might have a nice selection in the fish area.12. An airstone and pump (semi-optional). This will help give the water more oxygen, which is good for hot days when there is less oxygen. You can also substitute the airstone for one of those air-powered toys, like a little treasure chest or diver. Your call.13. Frozen peas. These treat constipation.As for care, I know you want to get your fish right away, but you have to let your tank cycle for about two weeks before you put your fish in. This lets the chemistry get set up and will insure you have healthy fish for a long time. Be sure to get your water tested before you get your fish.

(and finally...)Your fish will soon learn what you look like and the sound of your voice. You will see them schooling with each other, and sometimes they like it if you wiggle your finger in front of the glass. It may take some time for them to get used to you, but once they do, they'll make good friends. Once you've had them for at least six months and have a good relationship, you can train them to do tricks. There is a goldfish named Comet that knows nine tricks!P.S. You will also need a light source if you have a covered tank. Most tanks come with a light. Be sure to turn it off at night so your fish can get some rest.

Wow, Nicole, not much more for me to add, all covered to have healthy and happy goldfish.

The only thing I suggest to have a Master Test Kit instead of single test kits, as it is much more profitable to buy. I do recommend the API Master Test Kit for Freshwater fish. It contains liquid tests for Ammonia, Nitrite Nitrate, pH normal and high range, 4 testtubes, colour charts, instruction booklet. As I mentioned, it is cheaper than buying 4 single test packs.

Also ILoveFish19 read through the posts here too, you'll learn a lot. Nice to have you on board

Actually, Nicole just mentioned a book loosely there in her thread, but I really think you should buy yourself one for starters, they're incredibly useful when you notice some problems with your fish! (And if we on the forum can't see photos) It's best and easiest to diagnose yourself But of course, ask here whenever something happens, and we'll help!

I have a few great books that you could check out Manual of Fish Health - Chris Andrews : This one contains good photos of pretty much every disease possible! The treatment sections aren't the best, so you could try and complement that by asking here on the forum, or by reading in another book!

Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond fish - David Alderton : A very easy to use diagram of disease for aquarium and pondfish is included + solutions, along with lots of useful advice on maintenance and diet for the fish!

Fancy Goldfish - Erik L. Johnson & Rick Hess : A bit more advanced, but simply a must for anyone keeping goldfish! The illness section + treatments is the best thing I've read! And it covers lots of interesting things about keeping goldfish, like breeding, goldfish in Japan...

So, start building up some knowledge about keeping these fish as soon as possible, and you'll keep them alive for 20 years or more!